Written Answers Thursday 22 April 2010

Scottish Executive

Alcohol

Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive from which foreign governments it has received correspondence regarding minimum pricing for alcohol.

Nicola Sturgeon: One letter regarding minimum pricing has been received from the Chilean Ambassador.

Alcohol

Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what the nature and content was of the correspondence received from foreign governments regarding minimum pricing for alcohol.

Nicola Sturgeon: One letter has been received from the Chilean Ambassador. The Chilean Embassy has indicated that it believes the letter should remain private.

Climate Change

Alison McInnes (North East Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to not exceeding the "fair and safe" Scottish emissions budget, as described in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, in deciding on annual emissions reductions targets for the period 2010 to 2022.

Stewart Stevenson: In developing the advice to both the Scottish and UK Governments, the Committee on Climate Change considered the appropriate path for global emissions reductions, suggesting that global emissions should peak by 2020 and then fall to 50% or more below current levels by 2050. On 24 February 2010, the Committee on Climate Change advised the Scottish Government that the interim target of a 42% reduction in emissions by 2020 would contribute sufficiently to required cuts in global emissions and would be on track on meeting the 2050 target of an 80% reduction in emissions. Meeting the interim target, and the annual targets which will support it, would be consistent with Scotland contributing appropriately to the stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.

  The Committee on Climate Change has stated that it will provide advice on a fair and safe cumulative budget for Scotland later this year. It is not envisaged that the further analysis it will conduct will alter the Committee’s advice on the appropriate trajectory for 2010-20.

Climate Change

Alison McInnes (North East Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to ensuring that the aggregate amount of net Scottish greenhouse gas emissions for the period up to 2022 is consistent with Scotland contributing appropriately to the stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.

Stewart Stevenson: In developing the advice to both the Scottish and UK Governments, the Committee on Climate Change considered the appropriate path for global emissions reductions, suggesting that global emissions should peak by 2020 and then fall to 50% or more below current levels by 2050. On 24 February 2010, the Committee on Climate Change advised the Scottish Government that the interim target of a 42% reduction in emissions by 2020 would contribute sufficiently to required cuts in global emissions and would be on track on meeting the 2050 target of an 80% reduction in emissions. Meeting the interim target, and the annual targets which will support it, would be consistent with Scotland contributing appropriately to the stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.

  The Committee on Climate Change has stated that it will provide advice on a fair and safe cumulative budget for Scotland later this year. It is not envisaged that the further analysis it will conduct will alter the committee’s advice on the appropriate trajectory for 2010-20.

Communities

Bill Kidd (Glasgow) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what representations the Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution has made to Culture and Sport Glasgow regarding its decision to close 12 community centres throughout Glasgow and what the current situation is regarding community buy-outs of these facilities.

Fiona Hyslop: This is a matter for Glasgow City Council and local communities in Glasgow. However, I understand that efforts are underway locally to find alternatives to closure of these facilities or alternative ways of meeting the needs of communities where these facilities are closing.

Concessionary Travel

Charlie Gordon (Glasgow Cathcart) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the request from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport for additional resources for local concessionary travel and what that response will be.

Stewart Stevenson: A reply was issued on 14 April 2010 to Councillor Robert Burrows, Chairman of the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme Joint Committee, request to include the free ferry element of its concessionary travel scheme in the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People. It advised that the Scottish Government has no plans to extend the Scotland-wide scheme to include additional ferry travel concessions.

Concessionary Travel

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to extend the provision of concessionary bus travel to injured veterans as stated in Scotland’s Veterans and Forces’ Communities: meeting our commitment.

Stewart Stevenson: Our intention remains to change the eligibility criteria from 1 April 2011. Scottish Government officials are in regular contact with the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Defence to ensure that this takes place.

Digital Technology

Jim Tolson (Dunfermline West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve access to the internet among people in the most deprived areas.

Jim Tolson (Dunfermline West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve access to and encourage use of the internet in low-income households.

Jim Mather: Free broadband internet access is available to the public through Scotland’s libraries and, as a direct result of Scottish Government intervention, broadband availability in Scotland is now at over 99 per cent. It is widely recognised that the barriers to digital inclusion are closely linked to social and economic disadvantage and this government is driving forward with a raft of measures to tackle deep-seated inequalities in our society through a focus on the inter-related areas of early years experiences, poverty and health inequalities. The Scottish Government is also reviewing the previous Digital Inclusion in Partnership national strategy – published under the former administration – and will use the output from that exercise to consider what further measures may be necessary to continue to improve digital inclusion in Scotland.

Education

Christopher Harvie (Mid Scotland and Fife) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to safeguard and expand the provision of artistic and cultural education in schools.

Michael Russell: We are working closely with our partners, including the Scottish Arts Council and Learning Teaching Scotland, to develop an action plan of practical steps to enhance the use of the arts, culture and creativity in the delivery of Curriculum for Excellence.

  This will build on the outcomes of a successful ministerial seminar with representatives from both the education and culture sectors held on 15 December 2009.

Education

Ken Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of a reduction in the number of hours of in-service training on Modern Languages in the Primary School courses since 1999.

Ken Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many hours of in-service training were offered on Modern Languages in the Primary School courses (a) before 2001, (b) between 2001 and 2008 and (c) in 2008-09 and have been in 2009-10.

Michael Russell: The Scottish Government does not collect information on the numbers of hours of Modern Languages in the Primary School training offered by local authorities. However, as specified in my answer to your question S3W-31088 on 4 February 2010, we do engage closely with interested parties, particularly through meetings of the Cultural Organisations and Local Authorities (COALA) network, where issues around modern languages in the primary school, and other matters pertaining to the learning and teaching of modern languages in schools, are routinely discussed.

  All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

  http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Education

Ken Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether concerns regarding reductions in Modern Languages in the Primary School courses by local authorities have been raised in meetings of the Cultural Organisations and Local Authority Advisers network.

Ken Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns regarding the teaching of modern languages in primary schools have been raised in recent meetings of the Cultural Organisations and Local Authority Advisers network.

Michael Russell: There was a discussion on the way forward for modern languages in the primary school under Curriculum for Excellence, including training for primary teachers, at the Cultural Organisations and Local Authorities (COALA) network meeting in October 2009, attended by Scottish Government officials. This topic was also discussed during the COALA meeting in January, but during the afternoon session when only local authority staff were present.

  Minutes and papers from all meetings of the COALA network are available on the Scottish Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research’s (SCILT) website:

  http://www.strath.ac.uk/scilt/partnerships/coala/.

  As employers, it is the responsibility of local authorities to ensure teachers are supported with the appropriate professional development to enable them to do their job effectively.

Education

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the findings of its teachers survey on implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence.

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of response has been from registered teachers to its survey on implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence and what proportion of the responses can be identified as having come from (a) primary and (b) secondary teachers.

Michael Russell: The full findings of the Curriculum for Excellence Management Board’s survey of teachers will be considered by the management board at its meeting on 22 April and will be published shortly thereafter.

Education

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the responses to its teachers survey on implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence will be broken down by primary and secondary teachers so that their views can be recorded separately.

Michael Russell: The results of the Curriculum for Excellence Management Board survey of teachers will be published in time to enable the management board to consider the responses as part of a wide range of evidence on Curriculum for Excellence preparedness.

Education

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will proceed with the planned introduction of new qualification examinations in 2014 for pupils starting secondary school in August 2010, in light of the findings of the teachers survey on implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence.

Michael Russell: The final decision on the timetable for implementing the new qualifications under Curriculum for Excellence will be taken once the Curriculum for Excellence Management Board has provided advice on this subject.

Education

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on and publish its response to the findings of its teachers survey on implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence.

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set out how it will take account of the findings of its teachers survey on implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence.

Michael Russell: The results of the Curriculum for Excellence Management Board survey of teachers are part of a wide range of evidence which the management board will take account of in framing its advice on Curriculum for Excellence implementation. I will respond following careful consideration of its advice.

Energy

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of proposed policy from the Department of Communities and Local Government for local authorities in England to carry out assessments for the potential deployment of combined heat and power or district heating systems, as set out in its Consultation on a Planning Policy Statement: Planning for a Low Carbon Future in a Changing Climate , whether a similar requirement may be placed on Scottish local authorities.

Stewart Stevenson: The second National Planning Framework for Scotland states that the government is keen to facilitate the development of a more dispersed pattern of energy generation and supply as part of the response to climate change. This will involve encouraging community and household heat and power generation, the decentralisation of generation capacity and the development of local heat networks. It indicates that planning authorities should take account of the potential for developing heat networks when preparing development plans and considering major development proposals.

  The government also recognises that it is important to encourage heat supply to be located close to demand.

  Scottish Planning Policy states that when designating land for new residential, commercial and industrial development, planning authorities should consider the energy and heat requirements of these new developments. New development should be planned to make use of opportunities for decentralised and local renewable or low carbon sources of heat and power wherever possible.

Energy

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the National Planning Framework for Scotland regarding the funding and development of combined heat and power or district heating systems in urban areas.

Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-32903 on 22 April 2010 which identified the Scottish Government’s approach to combined heat and power and district heating. The introductory text to the second National Planning Framework for Scotland (NPF2) explains that it is not a funding document. NPF2 provides the strategic spatial policy context for decisions and actions by the government and its agencies and the government has no plans for its early revision.

  All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Defauls.aspx.

Energy

Derek Brownlee (South of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued for assessing planning applications for renewable energy schemes in peatlands.

Stewart Stevenson: Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) which was published on 4 February 2010 sets out the Scottish Government’s planning policies on renewable energy. The SPP is a consideration which can be taken into account in decisions on planning matters.

  Paragraph 133 of the SPP states that the disturbance of some soils, particularly peat, may lead to the release of stored carbon, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Where peat and other carbon rich soils are present, applicants should assess the likely effects associated with any development work.

  The SPP, at paragraph 185, also states that planning authorities should ensure that the development plan or supplementary guidance clearly explain the factors that will be taken into account in decision making on all renewable energy generation developments.

  Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has set out a strategy for protecting and conserving Scotland’s important soils to reduce impacts of climate change through carbon leakage. This strategy is set out in the SNH board paper SNH/10/1/2 (23 February 2010) which is available on the SNH website at:

  http://www.snh.org.uk/data/boards_and_committees/main_board_papers/2010-Feb23/SoilCarbon.pdf.

Energy

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions the cabinet had on the identification of a coal-fired power station at Hunterston as a national development prior to the National Planning Framework 2 being laid before the Parliament.

Stewart Stevenson: Prior to the Proposed Second National Planning Framework being laid before the Scottish Parliament in December 2008, the document was considered by cabinet correspondence.

Energy

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions ministers had with developers and other interested parties on the identification of a coal-fired power station at Hunterston as a national development prior to the National Planning Framework 2 being laid before the Parliament.

Stewart Stevenson: The series of discussions which took place regarding the preparation of the Second National Planning Framework are set out in the National Planning Framework 2 Participation Statement and Conformity Report. That is available electronically on the Scottish Government’s website ( http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/212607/0087755.pdf ) and also via the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (Bib. number 48493).

  I am unable to comment further on this matter given the petition for judicial review of the decision to designate Hunterston as a national development currently before the Court of Session.

Energy

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how its decision to specify a coal-fired power station at Hunterston as a national development in the National Planning Framework 2 now relates to the duty of the Scottish Ministers to consider the proposal for such a power station submitted by Ayrshire Power Ltd and whether it will make a statement on this matter.

Stewart Stevenson: Scottish ministers are obliged by the 1989 Electricity Act (Scotland) to consider directly applications for consent for thermal power stations over 50 megawatts of electricity output capacity. Designation as a national development establishes the need for the development in principle. Any inquiry or examination of a specific proposal for such a power station will therefore focus on aspects of the application itself, including the matters set out in the statement of need for national development 9 (page 121 of the National Planning Framework).

  The purpose of national development status is to facilitate the consenting processes for infrastructure which is considered to be of national importance by establishing the principle of development after wide consultation. The National Planning Framework 2 Participation Statement and Conformity Report sets out how and with whom discussions on this national development took place, as set out in the answer to question S3W-33007 on 22 April 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Defauls.aspx.

Energy Efficiency

Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason it has reduced the maximum payable under the Energy Saving Scotland home loan scheme from £10,000 to £4,000.

Jim Mather: The maximum intervention under the Energy Saving Scotland home loans scheme was reduced to £4,000 for electricity generating technologies to compliment the Feed-In Tariff which is expected to give a return on investment of 5-8% even without upfront capital support.

Enterprise

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs programme has been cancelled for 2010.

Keith Brown: The Scottish Government is not involved routinely in decisions connected to the delivery of specific Scottish Enterprise (SE) interventions, which are clearly matters for the agency itself, taking account of the need to optimise the value and impact of its spend.

  However, in this case, I understand that SE has postponed the proposed delivery of EDGE in 2010, rather than cancelled the scheme overall. The aim of this postponement is to allow SE to work with a range of partners to consider the scope for the organisation and funding of the programme to be put on a stronger and longer term footing.

  In addition, the postponement of the EDGE programme in 2010 should be seen in the context of the significant range of other support provided by this government and its agencies to promote entrepreneurship in our schools and university students. Through our Enterprise in Education Strategy, Determined to Succeed we are working with a range of entrepreneurial agencies. These include Social Enterprise Academy school awards, Social Enterprise Academy Fresh Options Booklet & A guide to social enterprise in relation to enterprise and employability Skills, work with the Co-operative Education Trust and Young Enterprise Scotland.

Enterprise

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the running costs were of the Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs programme in 2009.

Keith Brown: Since it’s inception in 2005 the success of EDGE has been built on a partnership between Scottish Enterprise, Universities, Careers Scotland now Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Local Authority Education Departments and Scottish Businesses. Initially a programme available in the Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire area, its focus and stretch grew to organisations and academic institutions located in the West of Scotland together with the involvement of overseas universities. Scottish Enterprise has led the partnership over the period as well as providing significant support through involvement in the form of account managers and specialist support staff. Over the course of that period the overall costs of the scheme have amounted to £1.754 million, the vast majority of which was met by Scottish Enterprise. The total costs for 2009 were £360,000

Enterprise

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to replace the Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs programme with a similar initiative.

Keith Brown: The Scottish Government is not involved in the delivery of the Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs (EDGE) programme, which has been led by Scottish Enterprise, or in consideration of future plans for the scheme which are clearly a matter for the agency itself, taking account of the need to optimise the value and impact of its spend.

  However, I understand that Scottish Enterprise has postponed the proposed delivery of EDGE in 2010, rather than cancel the scheme overall and other options are being explored such as combining with other programmes of a similar nature such as Graduates into Business. The aim of this decision is to allow Scottish Enterprise to work with a range of partners to consider the scope for the organisation and funding of the programme to be put on a stronger and longer-term footing.

  The Scottish Government has no plans, itself, to replace the EDGE programme but our ongoing commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship in our school and university students is illustrated by the significant range of other measures we have in place to support this agenda through our Enterprise in Education Strategy, Determined to Succeed. These include Social Enterprise Academy school awards, Social Enterprise Academy Fresh Options Booklet & A guide to social enterprise in relation to enterprise and employability Skills, work with the Co-operative Education Trust and, Young Enterprise Scotland.

Enterprise

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scotland-based (a) high school pupils and (b) university students have taken part in the Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs programme since its inception.

Keith Brown: Scottish Enterprise advise that there have been 600 participants in the EDGE programme since its inception.

Enterprise

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs programme has been evaluated and, if so, whether the evaluation has been published.

Keith Brown: Our understanding is that the EDGE programme was evaluated in June 2006 by Sarah Y Cooper, Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Strathclyde and William A Lucas of Cambridge MIT – Institute and Sloan School, Massachusetts institute of Technology, USA, and again in November 2006 by GEN Consulting, O’Herlihy and Co and the last evaluation was in 2007. Full details should be available from Scottish Enterprise.

Enterprise

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what outcomes have been achieved by students involved in the Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs programme since its inception.

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what outcomes have been achieved by businesses involved in hosting student teams as part of the Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs programme since its inception.

Keith Brown: I have asked Lena Wilson, the Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise to respond to you directly on this question.

Environment

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the provision of recharging points for electric vehicles.

Stewart Stevenson: We set out our intention to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles in our Climate Change Delivery Plan , published in June 2009. The delivery plan also recognises that electric vehicle charging infrastructure will need to be planned and developed to support the Transformational Outcome of almost complete decarbonisation of road transport by 2050.

  We are working with the Department for Transport’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles to ensure that Scotland benefits from the support that they are offering, and we are currently considering whether additional Scottish-specific support is required.

  Our consultation on low carbon vehicles sought views on how the uptake of low carbon vehicles could best be accelerated, and the analysis of responses was published in March 2010.

Environment

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the use of electric vehicles.

Stewart Stevenson: We set out our intention to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles in our Climate Change Delivery Plan , published in June 2009. This includes the Transformational Outcome of almost complete decarbonisation of road transport by 2050, with significant progress by 2030, through wholesale adoption of electric cars and vans. This is essential if we are to meet the statutory emission reduction targets set out in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. The delivery plan also highlights that an electric charging infrastructure to support the use of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles across Scotland will need to be planned and developed.

  Our forward proposals will take account of our analysis of the responses to our consultation on low carbon vehicles, published in March 2010. In addition, while many of the policy levers to reduce transport emissions rest with the EU and UK Government, we will also use the devolved powers at our disposal to support the adoption of electric cars and other low carbon vehicles.

Environment

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would support Scottish communities applying for funding to HM Government’s Plugged-In Places Infrastructure Framework scheme to provide the infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Stewart Stevenson: Yes. The Scottish Government recognises that the early market for electric vehicles needs to be supported with the necessary infrastructure, and my officials are bringing this opportunity to the attention of Scottish consortia that might wish to bid.

Environment

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund a study into the feasibility of an island community, such as Orkney, being made a pilot area for the development of the use of electric vehicles by public bodies, private companies and individuals, given the relatively short distances generally travelled on such islands.

Stewart Stevenson: Our Climate Challenge Fund has provided support for communities wishing to take action to reduce their carbon emissions, including funding for feasibility studies such as this. Unfortunately the funding for the 2008-11 Climate Challenge Fund has all been allocated.

  Although we have no plans for direct funding into electric vehicle feasibility studies my officials can provide information on opportunities for access to other sources of funding.

  The UK-wide Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Grant Programme is seeking further bids by 30 July 2010, and a bid from an island community might be welcomed. This programme can provide 50% of the cost of electric recharging points, and might provide a way of taking forward a pilot scheme in Orkney.

Environment

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what role it sees the development of electric cars playing in helping to meet Scotland’s carbon emissions reduction targets in the period (a) up to 2020, (b) from 2021 to 2030, (c) from 2031 to 2040 and (d) from 2041 to 2050.

Stewart Stevenson: Emissions from transport can be expected to decrease significantly but only in the medium-term. Our Climate Change Delivery Plan, published in June 2009, includes the Transformational Outcome of almost complete decarbonisation of road transport by 2050, with significant progress by 2030, through wholesale adoption of electric cars and vans. D elivery of the Transformational Outcome is essential to achievement of the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.

  Committee on Climate Change modelling suggests that uptake rates for new vehicle technology required to meet a 42% emissions reduction by 2020 would be as follows: only 3% of new cars using conventional or advanced petrol and diesel engines, around 75% using stop-start, micro hybrid or hybrid engines, and over 20% plug-in hybrid or fully electric.

  Our detailed proposals and policies will be published later this year.

Environment

Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what commitments it made at the Climate Group States and Regions meeting in Paris on 4 March 2010.

Stewart Stevenson: At the federated states and regional governments conference held in Paris on 4 March 2010, the Scottish Government supported the joint Paris Statement to EU leaders put forward by the conference hosts, The Climate Group and the President of Ile de France. A copy of the joint statement can be found on The Climate Group website:

  http://www.theclimategroup.org/our-news/news/2010/3/4/paris-statement-of-european-regions/.

External Relations

Michael Matheson (Falkirk West) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how it will measure the success of its India plan.

Fiona Hyslop: The government’s India plan sets out three clear objectives consistent with the government’s international framework; to attract talented people in India to Scotland, to bring a sharp economic growth focus to the promotion of Scotland in India and to enhance Scotland’s reputation with communities here and in India. I have given a commitment to provide the European and External Relations Committee with an annual update on the progress measured in the four key areas of the plan – education and science, trade and investment, cultural links and tourism. This will include an update against each of the action points for the government and analysis of performance management information gathered as part of government’s activities.

Ferry Services

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions ministers have had with directors or officials of Caledonian MacBrayne regarding the status and operations of Caledonian MacBrayne Guernsey (Crewing) Ltd.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish Ministers have had no discussions with directors or officials of Caledonian MacBrayne, David MacBrayne Ltd or its subsidiaries regarding the status and operations of Caledonian MacBrayne Guernsey (Crewing) Ltd since its establishment during the previous administration.

Ferry Services

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration ministers have given to the relationship between David MacBrayne Ltd and Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and whether any action is proposed as a result.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish ministers are satisfied that the relationship between David MacBrayne Ltd and Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd is on a sound professional footing. Both companies meet with each other on a regular basis. In addition, tripartite meetings with the two companies and Scottish Government officials take place on a regular basis.

Ferry Services

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was consulted on and agreed proposals from David MacBrayne Ltd regarding the employment of a number of its staff by a subsidiary based in Guernsey where it is not liable for the payment of employers’ national insurance contributions.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish Executive was first consulted in December 2004 by the then Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd regarding the transfer of its crew to offshore status. This request was made in accordance with legislation passed by the UK Government in 2003, where a national insurance payments concession was agreed by the UK Parliament as part of a set of rules that were viewed as necessary to allow British shipping companies to compete on an equal footing with international shipping companies and to protect jobs. Scottish ministers in the previous Administration subsequently approved the request to allow the company to offshore its crew and following a formal 90 day consultation process with the affected crew, the transfer took place in February 2006.

Ferry Services

Charlie Gordon (Glasgow Cathcart) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost it per annum to retain free ferry travel on Clyde routes for island and peninsular residents aged over 60.

Stewart Stevenson: That is entirely a matter for the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme Joint Committee to consider. We have not looked at the costs of the scheme.

Fire Service

James Kelly (Glasgow Rutherglen) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason ownership of the recommendations of the Scotland Together: A Study examining fire deaths and injuries in Scotland report was given to the Chief Fire Officers Association.

Fergus Ewing: I commissioned Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Chief Officer, Brian Sweeney, to examine how to reduce fire deaths and injuries caused by fire in Scotland. The study findings in the Scotland Together report were submitted to the Scottish Government at the end of 2009.

  The Scottish Government is working in partnership with various stakeholders to consider the report’s 37 recommendations. It will also consult the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG), which includes representatives from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and other trade unions.

  The Scottish Government and other lead stakeholders are committed to fulfilling the ethos of Scotland Together by taking forward its findings in a multi-agency approach.

Forestry

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) biodiversity, (b) soil and (c) water impact is of eucalyptus forestry planting.

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how it has assessed the (a) biodiversity, (b) soil and (c) water impact of eucalyptus forestry planting on Forestry Commission Forest Research trial sites.

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how it has assessed the (a) biodiversity, (b) soil and (c) water impact of eucalyptus forestry planting funded by the Scotland Rural Development Programme.

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued on the planting of eucalyptus to meet the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard.

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued on short rotation forestry to meet the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard.

Roseanna Cunningham: Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) and Forest Research have established a programme of field research to look at all aspects of short rotation forestry including biodiversity, soils, carbon balance and hydrology, and covering a wide range of species, including eucalyptus. Data has begun to be collected from five research sites and will feed into future guidance and policy development. Further information on these trials will shortly be available on the FCS website. Presentations from a seminar held in November 2009, setting out current knowledge, can be found at:

  http://www.usewoodfuel.co.uk/PastEventPresentations.stm#Energy%20Forestry%20in%20Scotland.

  Guidance on the establishment of short rotation forestry, including eucalyptus, funded under the SRDP can be found at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-7rlm3l.

  Short Rotation Forestry must comply with the UK Forestry Standard and appropriate design criteria. The Standard and associated guidelines are currently being reviewed. The UK Forestry Standard is available at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/planting and associated guidelines at the FCS online library at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/publications.nsf/$$search.

Forestry

John Scott (Ayr) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many hectares of new woodland planting took place in 2009, broken down by woodland model supported under the Scotland Rural Development Programme.

Roseanna Cunningham: The total woodland creation grant aided under the Scottish Rural Development Plan in calendar year 2009 was 1,864 hectares. This consists of 1,088 hectares under the woodland creation models and 776 hectares under legacy schemes.

  A breakdown by woodland creation model is:

  

Productive conifer - low cost
142


Productive conifer - high cost
17


Productive broadleaf woodland
22


Native woodland planting
779


Native woodland - natural regeneration
10


Mixed conifer/broadleaved woodland
118


Total
1,088


Legacy schemes
776


Grand Total
1,864



  Note: The answer to question S3W–32462 on 26 March 2010 said that the total area of new woodland created in 2009 was 2,154 hectares. This figure was made up of 1,417 hectares of grant-aided woodland creation and 737 hectares of new woodland on the national forest estate. Forestry Commission Scotland has now updated the grant-aided element to 1,864 (as indicated above) so the total area of woodland created in 2009 now stands at 2,601 hectares.

  All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Forestry

John Scott (Ayr) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many hectares of new woodland planting has been approved under the Scotland Rural Development Programme for 2007-13 through the (a) Regional Proposal Assessment Committee (RPAC) and (b) Forestry Commission Scotland’s ongoing approval process, broken down by woodland model.

Roseanna Cunningham: The amount of woodland creation approved under the Scottish Rural Development Plan is (a) 8,603 hectares by the Regional Proposal Assessment Committees (RPAC’s) and (b) 1,452 hectares by the ongoing approval process.

  Area Approved by Woodland Creation Model:

  

 
Approved by RPAC
Approved by FCS
Total


Productive conifer – low cost
1,848
148
1,996


Productive conifer – high cost
83
0
83


Productive broadleaf woodland
64
27
91


Native woodland planting
5,386
1,043
6,429


Native woodland – natural regeneration
96
3
99


Mixed conifer/broadleaved woodland
1,126
231
1,357


Total
8,603
1,452
10,055

Gaelic Language

Dave Thompson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the development of Gaelic is progressing at a satisfactory pace.

Fiona Hyslop: Gaelic development is progressing well but there is still much to be accomplished before we would describe the achievements as satisfactory. The Scottish Government’s clear aim is to ensure that the measures we are putting in place are effective in increasing the acquisition and use of Gaelic.

Glasgow Airport Rail Link

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what the most up-to-date (a) actual and (b) projected figure is for the spend on the Glasgow Airport Rail Link and how that is broken down.

Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-31078 on 4 February 2010, which sets out the costs incurred up until 10 January 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx .

  Between 10 January 2010 and financial year end on 31 March 2010 a further £8.27 million was spent.

  £6.75 million of this is attributable to the on-going works on the Glasgow to Paisley railway corridor, the Paisley Corridor Improvements (PCI) project.

  The balance of £1.52 million is attributable either directly to the GARL branch line close out, or are costs which cannot be readily split between main line / branch line works.

  It is currently estimated that a further £4.75 million will be spent on closing out the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project.

  None of the above figures include an assessment of any monies which may be due with respect to: (1) the sale of surplus land acquired under compulsory purchase powers and disposed of in accordance with the Crichel Downs Rules (as mandated by the Glasgow Airport rail Link Act (2007)); nor (2) the balance of any funding payable to the Authorised Undertaker from the European Union’s Trans-European Networks (TENs) budget.

Health

Helen Eadie (Dunfermline East) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a clinician-led national advisory committee on musculoskeletal conditions to advise the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing on the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions, the impact on local services and to make recommendations on improving musculoskeletal services.

Shona Robison: We believe that the arrangements currently in place make the establishment of such a committee unnecessary.

  The Scottish Government Health Directorates are in the process of developing a National Musculoskeletal Programme with the aim of significant service re-design to improve the delivery of services for people with musculoskeletal conditions. Funding has been provided through the Delivery Framework for Adult Rehabilitation for a national lead to support the rollout of this model. In addition a national programme board, chaired by an NHS board chief executive, is being established to ensure implementation.

  NHS QIS has appointed a national falls programme manager to establish a network of local falls co-ordinators to share experiences and provide good practice arrangements for assisting people who are uninjured after a fall. The manager’s role involves working closely with the Scottish Government’s Rehabilitation Lead to ensure that the falls project is integrated with other initiatives.

  Our Lead Clinician for Chronic Pain has also established a Scottish Chronic Pain Steering Group (SCPSG) to help take forward the recommendations of the NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (QIS) report Getting to GRIPS (Getting Relevant Information on Pain Services) with Chronic Pain in Scotland published in July 2008. That work is focusing on a service model which integrates chronic pain and musculoskeletal services. It also links to the demonstrator chronic pain Managed Clinical Network which we are funding in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Health

Helen Eadie (Dunfermline East) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to provide patients with musculoskeletal conditions with appropriate information with which to manage their condition and reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

Shona Robison: An essential aspect of self management is that people have access to the information they need about their condition and the services available, whether through the NHS and its partners, or the voluntary sector. The work of third sector organisations such as Arthritis Care Scotland on self management has helped inform the principles set out in Gaun Yersel’ , the national self management strategy developed by the Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland.

  People with musculoskeletal conditions will benefit from the range of initiatives now being developed through grants from the Self Management Fund administered by the Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.

  The Scottish Government’s ALISS (Access to Local Information to Support Self Management) project, aims to strengthen this approach by equipping people to track down the local resources that can help them live with their condition. The Long Term Conditions Alliance is fully involved in this initiative. This approach also underpins the development of NHS Inform, which NHS24 is taking forward with a range of third sector stakeholders.

  SIGN Guideline 71 on the management of osteoporosis also highlights the importance of providing information to people living with osteoporosis on preventative measures such as eating a calcium-rich diet and taking appropriate regular exercise, as well as taking medication.

  SIGN Guideline 48 on the management of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) recommends that patient education should be undertaken by all members of the multidisciplinary teams in both primary and secondary care, and also that patients should be provided with an information leaflet, and if possible, one-to-one education.

  The Scottish Government is also developing a range of web based and tele-rehabilitation support to ensure people get appropriate evidence-based information to help with self management of long term conditions. For example, the Working Backs Scotland website aims to be a point of reference for patients and healthcare professionals who are looking for information on how to manage conditions affecting the back. The site is currently being updated and will be relaunched on 12 May 2010.

  http://www.workingbacksscotland.scot.nhs.uk/index.htm.

Health

Helen Eadie (Dunfermline East) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to develop capacity in primary care for patients with a musculoskeletal condition by offering a wider range of non-surgical alternatives through (a) specialist practitioners, (b) physiotherapy, (c) podiatry, (d) nursing, (e) pain management advice, (f) chiropractic and (g) osteopathy.

Shona Robison: The Delivery Framework for Adult Rehabilitation in Scotland published in February 2007 focuses on making services local and offering a seamless patient journey that respects people’s potential to overcome barriers to independent living and links strongly with the Scottish Government’s Healthier and Wealthier Strategic

  Objectives.

  We have recognised the need to re-design many of our rehabilitation services to develop capacity in Primary Care. This includes the appointment of rehabilitation co-ordinators in each NHS board area who have mapped existing services including musculoskeletal (MSK) services and are working to enhance rehabilitation pathways across health and social care. A national pain programme is also underway which includes developing back pain pathways which will ensure timeous and equitable access to pain management advice.

  The Scottish Government has a national MSK programme as a collaborative across hospital and primary care services to implement a new MSK model through service redesign. This model focuses on screening and early access to assessment and treatment by a primary care based specialist practitioner as part of a multi-disciplinary team including podiatrists, physiotherapists and nurses. This model has been well tested, evaluated and includes aspects to enhance workforce capacity and productivity.

Health

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S3W-32353 and S3W-31208 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 February 2010 and Shona Robison on 23 March 2010 respectively and in light of the recent statement by Professor Tom Treasure that, "Put simply, all patients without exception should be assessed on being admitted to hospital for risk of developing a blood clot, and then given preventative treatment that is appropriate for them", what steps are being taken prior to the issue of the revised Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline 62 in October 2010 to ensure that every patient is assesed on admission to hospital for risk of venous thromboembolism.

Shona Robison: Until the revised Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) clinical guideline on Venous Thromboembolism is published this October, we have indicated to NHS boards that they must have in place local protocols to make sure people are treated according to SIGN Guideline 62, and other relevant Guidelines such as SIGN 36 on Anti-thrombotic Therapy, SIGN 89 on Drug Therapy for Peripheral Vascular Disease and SIGN 56 on the Prevention and Management of Hip Fracture in Older People. These deal with the management of patients admitted to hospital with major trauma, major surgery or an acute medical illness.

  The Chief Medical Officer continues to emphasise to the medical directors of NHS boards the importance of this issue, and has asked NHS QIS to keep it under review.

  Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis is a key element of the surgical checklist developed by the Scottish Patient Safety’s peri-operative work stream.

Health

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-32354 by Shona Robison on 23 March 2010 stating that information regarding the percentage of patients assessed as being at medium or high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) receiving either mechanical or pharmacological prophylaxis is not collected centrally, what audits it has received from NHS boards since the last revision of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline 62 and the national audit of VTE prophylaxis in NHS hospitals across Scotland.

Shona Robison: We have not received any audits of prophylaxis of Venous Thromboembolism from NHS boards since publication of SIGN Guideline 62.

  In terms of national audits, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland undertook a survey, published in December 2008, which confirmed that all NHS boards have written protocols in place for the prevention and management of DVT, as well as information leaflets based on the model patient leaflet provided by the Chief Medical Officer and Chairman of NHS QIS on 26 January 2008.

  The peri-operative work stream of the Scottish Patient Safety Programme collects data on the percentage of eligible surgical patients who receive Deep Vein Thrombosis prophylaxis

Health

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether any clinical trials of the use of collagen crosslinking as a treatment for keratoconus involve patients from Scotland and, if so, from which NHS board areas.

Shona Robison: We are not aware of any clinical trials involving NHS boards and its patients in Scotland that have or are examining the use of collagen crosslinking as a treatment for keratoconus. Although there is a body of literature reporting research studies on this treatment conducted outside Scotland, including clinical trials, it has not been possible to ascertain whether these have involved volunteers from Scotland. A similar situation exists with clinical trials that may be conducted privately in Scotland involving non-NHS patients.

Health

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to have results of clinical trials of the use of collagen crosslinking as a treatment for keratoconus.

Shona Robison: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued interventional procedures guidance on this treatment in November 2009 which was endorsed by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland. The guidance which is available at http://guidance.nice.org.uk/IPG320/Guidance/pdf/English is based on published literature including a completed randomised control trial and case studies. The Scottish Government has no timetable for the results of any on-going clinical trials for this treatment. However, it is noted that NICE may review the procedure on publication of further evidence.

Higher Education

Karen Gillon (Clydesdale) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of students accepted by medical schools is normally resident outside Scotland.

Michael Russell: This is a matter for the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The information requested is not held centrally.

Higher Education

Karen Gillon (Clydesdale) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the average student drop-out rate is in medical schools.

Michael Russell: The information requested is not held centrally. The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) publishes some information annually on non-continuation rates. This is through their higher education performance indicators, for all higher education institutions in the UK. They include the percentage of entrants not continuing in study beyond their first year. The most recently published performance indicators relate to the academic year 2008-09.

  HESA’s performance indicators on the participation of under-represented groups can be found at:

  www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1703&Itemid=141.

  Table series’ T3 and T4 provide the non-continuation rates for full-time and part-time students respectively, for each Scottish higher education institution alongside the respective benchmarks. Data for earlier years can also be found on HESA’s website. These tables do not identify students entering medical studies at particular institutions.

Justice

Nigel Don (North East Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the reviews of the drug courts and youth courts.

Fergus Ewing: The reviews of the drug courts in Glasgow and Fife and youth courts in Airdrie and Hamilton have been published today (Bib. numbers 49573 and 49574). Following broadly positive evaluations, I have decided to extend funding for both drug courts and youth courts for a further two years until 31 March 2012.

  During this period, we will continue to work closely with local partners to ensure best value for money and that resources are targeted at the most effective interventions. We will also draw on the best practice and lessons learned from specialist courts to develop a toolkit for other courts, and we will be consulting the judiciary on the scope to extend the problem solving approach into mainstream courts. Proposals under the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill to introduce scope for ‘progress reviews’ of the new Community Payback Orders reflect the aim for a more offender focused approach. There are no plans to fund additional drug courts or youth courts.

Marine Environment

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what was (a) discussed and (b) decided at the UK Aquaculture Forum held in Edinburgh on 10 February 2010.

Roseanna Cunningham: The UK Aquaculture Forum discussed various issues relating to the industry, and how best to share research, development projects and regulatory approaches identified and adopted in each of the UK countries. Specific topics included A Fresh Start: The Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture ; the Northern Irish Aquaculture Initiative; a report on the working of relevant European institutions, and the aspirations of the salmon, trout and shellfish sectors.

  The group concluded that the forum provided a platform to discuss and where possible agree a common UK approach to responding to the EU decision-making process. Industry representatives welcomed the initiative. It was agreed that the group would meet twice a year, with the next in October 2010.

Music Tuition

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to support musical instrument tuition.

Michael Russell: The Expressive Arts, including music, are an important and integral part of Curriculum for Excellence. Instrumental music tuition strengthens pupil engagement with the Arts, and supports delivery of the curriculum.

  Through the Youth Music Initiative all local authorities receive funding to help widen access to free music tuition in schools. By the end of the current comprehensive spending review period, YMI will have invested £67.5 million in tuition and other high quality music projects throughout the whole of Scotland.

NHS Finance

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS Grampian regarding savings in revenue budgets.

Nicola Sturgeon: I chaired the NHS Grampian Annual Review meeting in Elgin on 2 November 2009. A wide range of matters affecting past and present performance and planning for the future were discussed with the board chair and his senior management team.

  NHS Grampian, along with all NHSScotland boards, was requested to submit a draft financial plan for 2010-11 to the Scottish Government Health Directorates (SGHD) on 18 February 2010. Following that submission, the Head of External Financial Performance (SGHD) had several routine telephone conversations with NHS Grampian colleagues (Director of Finance and Assistant Directors of Finance).

  The Director of Finance (NHS Grampian), the Director of Finance (SGHD) and the Head of External Financial Performance (SGHD) met and had a general discussion about the draft financial plan on 11 March 2010.

  Officials from the SGHD also meet representatives of NHS Grampian regularly to discuss matters of current interest affecting health services in the area. A meeting was held (via video link) with NHS Grampian on 12 March 2010 to take stock of developments since last year’s annual review and look at progress against key targets. This meeting included a discussion on progress with the draft financial plan for 2010-11 and associated savings. Attendees included the Director General Health and Chief Executive of NHSScotland and the Chief Executive of NHS Grampian.

  I meet regularly with all NHSScotland chairs to discuss matters of importance to Health and the NHS in Scotland. I last met the Chair of NHS Grampian on 29 March 2010 at the last regular meeting of NHS board chairs and discussed a range of issues.

NHS Finance

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what budget reduction is proposed for surgery by NHS Grampian.

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what budget reduction is proposed for dental services by NHS Grampian.

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what budget reduction is proposed for mental health services by NHS Grampian.

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what budget reduction is proposed for care of older people by NHS Grampian.

Nicola Sturgeon: The Scottish Government does not hold this information.

  I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-33196 on 22 April 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

NHS Finance

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what total savings are being made by NHS Grampian from its revenue budget in 2010-11.

Nicola Sturgeon: The Scottish Government expects NHS Grampian to provide the highest possible standard of healthcare and it has received a cash increase of £16 million in its 2010-11 budget. NHS Grampian has advised that it requires to deliver £34 million of savings in 2010-11, and whilst challenging, it is achievable. NHS Grampian is currently looking at a whole range of efficiency measures with a view to identifying those that will not impact on patient care.

Ports and Harbours

John Lamont (Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive which harbours are operated by local authorities.

Stewart Stevenson: We do not hold a comprehensive list of the individual harbours operated by local authorities.

Ports and Harbours

John Lamont (Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what harbours are operated by groups, trusts and organisations other than local authorities.

Stewart Stevenson: We do not hold a comprehensive list of individual Scottish harbours.

Ports and Harbours

John Lamont (Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive to which harbours it has given financial support in each year since 1999.

Stewart Stevenson: The following tables detail the financial support given to harbours by the Scottish Executive/Scottish Government each year since 1999:

  Fisheries Harbour Grants

  Capital Grant Assistance Awarded to Fishery Harbours between January 1999 to March 2010

  

Harbour
Year Awarded
Scheme/Programme
Award (£)


St Andrews
1999
SG: Fishing Harbours Emergency Repairs 
£8,000


 
Total 1999
 
£8,000


Dunbar
2000
SG: Fishing Harbours Emergency Repairs
£6,400


 
Total 2000
 
£6,400


Tarbert (Loch Fyne)
2001
SG: Fishing Harbours Emergency Repairs
£160,000


Peterhead Port Authority(2 projects)
2001
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£23,730


Scrabster
2001
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£93,946


 
Total 2001
 
£277,676


Gourdon 
2002
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£38,250


Stornoway
2002
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£41,300


Orkney Islands Council - Various sites
2002
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£35,000


 
Total 2002
 
£114,550


St Abbs 
2003
SG: Fishing Harbours Emergency Repairs
£171,410


Fraserburgh(2 projects)
2003
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£939,077


Voe Pier
2003
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£284,445


Lochinver
2003
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£14,305


Acarsaid Pier
2003
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£150,000


Gravir Pier
2003
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£30,000


Pol Na Crann Jetty
2003
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£40,000


Helmsdale
2003
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£6,125


 
Total 2003
 
£1,635,362


Peerie Dock
2004
SG: Fishing Harbours Emergency Repairs
£109,000


Dunbar
2004
SG: Fishing Harbours Emergency Repairs
£25,300


Stornoway
2004
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£315,906


Lochinver
2004
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£8,757


Girvan
2004
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£75,000


Kinlochbervie(2 projects)
2004
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£19,635


Eyemouth
2004
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£37,782


St Abbs
2004
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£8,475


Kylesku
2004
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£21,705


Ullapool
2004
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
283,023


Kyle
2004
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£6,840


Gairloch
2004
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£3,900


Portree
2004
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£2,660


Kallin
2004
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£677,515


 
Total 2004
 
£1,595,498


Gairloch
2005
SG: Fishing Harbours Emergency Repairs
£222,925


Lochinver
2005
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£26,481


Carradale
 
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£450,000


Kallin
2005
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£98,000


Tarbert
2005
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£56,691


 
Total 2005
 
£854,097


Helmsdale
2006
SG: Fishing Harbours Emergency Repairs
£175,000


Lochinver
2006
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£15,000


Kyle(2 projects)
2006
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£95,761


Broadford
2006
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£15,000


Toscaig Pier
2006
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£15,000


Uig(2 projects)
2006
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£6,828


Fraserburgh
2006
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£1,323,377


Pittenweem
2006
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£20,813


Dunbar
2006
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£13,592


Peterhead(2 projects)
2006
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£355,404


MacDuff
2006
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£1,724,800


 
Total 2006
 
£3,760,575


Wick
2007
SG: Fishing Harbours Emergency Repairs
£298,723


Dunbar
2007
SG: Fishing Harbours Emergency Repairs
£14,000


Eyemouth
2007
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£31,530


Dunbar(4 projects)
2007
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and SG match funding
£319,466


Peterhead
2007
EU: Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
£48,730


 
Total 2007
 
£712,449


Tarbert
2008
SG: Fishing Harbours Emergency Repairs
£39,000


 
Total 2008
 
£39,000


Peterhead
2009
EU: European Fisheries Fund and SG match funding
£5,250,000


Stornoway
2009
EU: European Fisheries Fund and SG match funding
£29,629


Gairloch
2009
EU: European Fisheries Fund and SG match funding
£50,998


Ullapool
2009
EU: European Fisheries Fund and SG match funding
£38,721


Lochinver(2 projects)
2009
EU: European Fisheries Fund and SG match funding
£96,218


Tarbert
2009
EU: European Fisheries Fund and SG match funding
£104,708


Lerwick
2009
EU: European Fisheries Fund and SG match funding
£51,750


Mallaig
2009
EU: European Fisheries Fund and SG match funding
£465,186


Stockinish
2009
EU: European Fisheries Fund and SG match funding
£51,581


Acarsaid
2009
EU: European Fisheries Fund and SG match funding
£64,222


Dunbar
2009
EU: European Fisheries Fund and SG match funding
£7,757


Arbroath
2009
EU: European Fisheries Fund and SG match funding
£85,000


Gardenstown
2009
EU: European Fisheries Fund and SG match funding
£17,861


 
Total 2009
 
£6,313,631


Fraserburgh
2010
SG: Fishing Harbours Emergency Repairs
£196,479


 
Total 2010 – 31 March 2010
 
£196,479



  Piers and Harbours Supporting Lifeline Ferry Services

  Table 11.6 within the Scottish Transport Statistics No.28 2009 Edition details the level of financial support given by the Scottish Government for construction and improvement of harbours between 1998-99 and 2008-09. This document is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 50075).

  During 2009-10 approximately £2,752,860 has been invested in piers and harbours infrastructure which supports lifeline ferry services in Scotland. The following table sets out how this funding was allocated.

  

Recipient of Grant
Harbour
Financial Year 2009-10


Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd
Largs
£249,000


Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd
Port Ellen/Kennacraig
£1,465,000


Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd
Brodick
£73,500


Mallaig Harbour Trust
Mallaig
£155,062


Ullapool Harbour Trustees
Ullapool
£306,939


Stornoway Port Authority
Stornoway
£302,175


Lerwick Port Authority
Lerwick
£201,184


Total
 
£2,752,860



  Freight Facilities Grants (FFG)

  The FFG scheme is a capital grant scheme that aims to encourage the transfer of freight from roads to more sustainable water and rail options by helping companies invest in the facilities needed to compete in financial terms with road.

  The following table sets out capital grant assistance awarded towards the costs of developing freight handling facilities, including infrastructure, storage and equipment, at harbours and piers between January 1999 to March 2010.

  

Harbour(s)
Year Awarded
Scheme/Programme
Award (£)


Ayr and Troon (Associated British Ports)
2000
Freight Facilities Grant - timber and inter-modal bulk traffic
£4,410,000


Lochaline Pier (Iggesund Paperboard)
2000
Freight Facilities Grant - timber
£693,000


Rosyth (Forth Ports Plc)**
2001
Freight Facilities Grant - general cargo on the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service
£10,969,000


Rosyth (Forth Ports Plc)
 
Freight Facilities Grant - additional facilities for the general cargo on the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service
£490,000


Inverness Harbour (Inverness Harbour Trust)
2007
Freight Facilities Grant - general cargo
£2,300,000


Total
 
 
£18,862,000



  Note: **Following a transfer of funds from the Scottish Executive the award made to Forth Ports PLC for the FFG project at Rosyth in 2001 was paid by the Department of Transport, Local Government and Regions, because at this time Scottish ministers did not have the relevant powers to enable them to award a grant for a shipping project where the service originated or terminated outside Scotland.

  European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

  The Scottish Government, as Managing Authority for European Structural Funds Programmes in Scotland, made awards of ERDF to a number of harbour authorities for transport related investments in infrastructure. Grant rates varied between 25% and 50% with the applicant organisation being responsible for providing the balance of funds. The undernoted table outlines the awards since 1999:

  

Organisation
Year of Approval
Location
Grant Paid


Scrabster Harbour Trust
2001
Scrabster
£1,642,260


Lerwick Port Authority
2001
Lerwick, Shetland
£854,200


Orkney Islands Council
2001
Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
£5,598,518


Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
2002
Barra/Eriskay
£325,500


The Highland Council
2002
Eigg
£2,745,138


Argyll and Bute Council
2003
Port Askaig, Islay
£2,240,000


Shetland Islands Council
2003
Pappa Stour/West Burrafirth
£767,260


Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
2004
Leverburgh
£225,000


Argyll and Bute Council
2004
Campbeltown
£1,192,500


The Highland Council
2004
Eigg
£1,595,090


Shetland Islands Council
2004
Fetlar
£740,652


The National Trust for Scotland
2005
Canna
£336,025


Total
 
 
£18,262,143

Public Transport

Shirley-Anne Somerville (Lothians) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17961 by Stewart Stevenson on 3 December 2008, how much of its £500 million contribution to the Edinburgh trams project has been spent since that date, broken down by (a) date of release and (b) amount.

Stewart Stevenson: A further £146.956 million has been spent from 3 December 2008.

  Details are as follows:

  

Edinburgh Tram Project Expenditure
2008-09 £000
2009-10 £000


Month of Payment


April
0
9,323,615


May
0
2,627,100


June
0
7,360,439


July
0
8,327,281


August
0
3,878,006


September
0
7,827,210


October
0
3,648,214


November
7,025,692
4,602,059


December
6,533,047
15,586,682


January
15,449,350
11,838,938


February
8,989,344
3,279,151


March
4,864,412
7,741,148


April
2,797,129
15,256,851


May
0 
0 


June
0 
0 


Totals
45,658,974 
101,296,694

Rail Services

Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the type of new rolling stock to be introduced on First ScotRail services over the next 10 years and on what services it is intended to introduce that stock.

Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish all Transport Scotland correspondence and minutes for the last three years regarding the introduction of future rolling stock on First ScotRail services.

Stewart Stevenson: New rolling stock to be introduced for future services developments has still to be determined.

Rail Services

Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that all new rolling stock to be introduced on First ScotRail services will be designed to allow for conductor operation in addition to the driver.

Stewart Stevenson: Any new rolling stock will meet the passenger requirements and the operational and safety standards required for any route on which it may be deployed.

Rail Services

Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that the railway unions will be consulted on the type of all future rolling stock to be introduced on First ScotRail services.

Stewart Stevenson: This is a matter for First ScotRail as employer and as a safety duty holder.

Rail Services

Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds records of which First ScotRail passenger services have operated without (a) ticket examiners and (b) conductors since the extension of the ScotRail franchise.

Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-31636 on 11 March 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Defauls.aspx .

Renewable Energy

Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the forthcoming energy efficiency strategy will identify targets for the installation of electricity generating technology devices for households.

Jim Mather: The forthcoming Energy Efficiency Action Plan will not identify targets for the installation of electricity generating technology devices in households.

  The Scottish Government has introduced a target to meet 50% of Scotland’s electricity demand from renewable sources by 2020, and is supporting the development of a wide range of renewable energy technologies in pursuit of this target.

Renewable Energy

Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many grants have been issued under the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables scheme in the last three years, broken down by (a) local authority and (b) size and type of renewable device in each category.

Jim Mather: Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grant offers – financial year 2009-10:

  Number of Grants Offered

  

Local Authority
 


Aberdeen City
7


Aberdeenshire
165


Angus 
33


Argyll and Bute
62


Clackmannanshire
9


Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
43


Dumfries and Galloway
54


Dundee City
6


East Ayrshire
17


East Dunbartonshire
4


East Lothian
25


East Renfrewshire
8


Edinburgh City
42


Falkirk
8


Fife
58


Glasgow City
16


Highland
173


Inverclyde
4


Midlothian 
9


Moray
38


North Ayrshire
16


North Lanarkshire
4


Orkney Islands
48


Perth and Kinross
96


Renfrewshire
11


Scottish Borders
62


Shetland Islands
33


South Ayrshire
27


South Lanarkshire
31


Stirling
38


West Dunbartonshire
1


West Lothian
16


Total
1,164



  By Technology

  Number of Grants Offered

  

Technology
 


Air Source Heat Pump
228


Biomass
103


GSHP
204


Hydro Turbine
1


Lerwick District Heating
12


Solar Hot Water
429


Solar PV
129


Water Source Heat Pump
1


Wind Turbine
57


Total
1,164



  Energy Saving Scotland Home Renewables (formerly Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative) Grant Offers - FY 2008-09

  Number of Grants Offered

  

Local Authority
 


Aberdeen City
4


Aberdeenshire
145


Angus 
29


Argyll and Bute
61


Clackmannanshire
7


Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
50


Dumfries and Galloway
58


Dundee City
3


East Ayrshire
15


East Dunbartonshire
12


East Lothian
21


East Renfrewshire
4


Edinburgh City
28


Falkirk
3


Fife
51


Glasgow City
2


Highland
170


Inverclyde
4


Midlothian 
7


Moray
45


North Ayrshire
22


North Lanarkshire
8


Orkney Islands
31


Perth and Kinross
88


Renfrewshire
9


Scottish Borders
55


Shetland Islands
38


South Ayrshire
20


South Lanarkshire
25


Stirling
33


West Dunbartonshire
5


West Lothian
21


Total
1,074



  By Technology

  Number of Grants Offered

  

Technology
 


Air Source Heat Pump
157


Biomass
113


GSHP
321


Lerwick District Heating
20


Solar Hot Water
395


Solar PV
11


Solar space heating
3


Wind Turbine
54


Total
1,074



  Energy Saving Scotland home renewables (formerly Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative) grant offers - FY 2007-2008

  Number of Grants Offered

  

Local Authority
 


Aberdeen City
2


Aberdeenshire
115


Angus 
31


Argyll and Bute
45


Clackmannanshire
4


Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
13


Dumfries and Galloway
65


Dundee City
5


East Ayrshire
19


East Dunbartonshire
9


East Lothian
20


East Renfrewshire
7


Edinburgh City
28


Falkirk
4


Fife
67


Glasgow City
8


Highland
142


Inverclyde
3


Midlothian 
9


Moray
22


North Ayrshire
28


North Lanarkshire
5


Orkney Islands
52


Perth and Kinross
67


Renfrewshire
2


Scottish Borders
62


Shetland Islands
55


South Ayrshire
43


South Lanarkshire
23


Stirling
21


West Dunbartonshire
3


West Lothian
20


Total
999



  By Technology

  Number of Grants Offered

  

Technology
 


Air Source Heat Pump
60


Biomass
69


GSHP
312


Hydro
5


Lerwick District Heating
34


Solar Hot Water
432


Wind Turbine
87


Total
999



  Note that statistics has not been provided on size of technology as this information is not recorded when grants offers are issued.

Road Accidents

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents were associated with drivers smoking in each of the last five years.

Jim Mather: The information requested is not available.

Roads

Michael McMahon (Hamilton North and Bellshill) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects work to begin on the Newhouse to Baillieston M8 upgrade.

Stewart Stevenson: The programme for the M8 Baillieston to Newhouse Scheme is contained within the following link:

  http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/roads/Programme_Update_at_311209.pdf.

  We are currently considering the report of the Public Local Inquiry into this scheme. Assuming a decision to proceed and subsequent approval of the orders, it will then be necessary to carry out a thorough review of the remaining stages of the project, including procurement.

Roads

Michael McMahon (Hamilton North and Bellshill) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects work to begin on the M74 Raith interchange upgrade.

Stewart Stevenson: The programme for the M74 Junction 5, Raith Scheme is contained within the following link:

  http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/roads/Programme_Update_at_311209.pdf.

  We intend to examine the benefits of including the M74 Junction 5, Raith Scheme in the proposed not for profit distribution procurement of the M8 Baillieston to Newhouse Scheme.

  We are currently considering the report of the Public Local Inquiry into the M8 Baillieston to Newhouse Scheme. Assuming a decision to proceed and subsequent approval of the orders, it will then be necessary to carry out a thorough review of the remaining stages of the project, including procurement.